Hi everyone

I had my little girl 4weeks ago and suffer a 4th degree tear, I was just wondering how long it takes to heal completely.
I have been told by my midwife the consultant has done a very good job and its healing lovely. It all feels fine other than a lump I have which is scar tissue. The thought of having sex is terriflying me although I feel I want to. Has anyone any advise?

thanks

Hi, I had a bad 3rd degree tear but had to be totally repaired down there so was a very simillar situation.
For me I found that i healed quickly as in that i could sit down and mobilise with out pain after about 10 days. But I also had a lump which they thought was scar tissue or a cyst. I think hubby and i had sex at about 10 weeks and i wont lie it was painful. And it didnt get much better despite my kidding myself that it would.
7 weeks ago i had a fentons procedure to remove the lump and re-sow the tear. It was the best thing ive done. We had sex at about 6 weeks this time and it is already so so much better then a year post birth was.
So it could be anything from 6 weeks to never, which doesnt help you really does it. I assume you have an out patients apt with consultant. I was keen to attempt sex before that so i could report any concerns. My advice would be to be honest, dont kid yourself that it will get better when youre months post op.
Good luck!

Thank you for your reply. yes I have an appointment with consultant next month. hoping there will say all is ok. The month I have has been looked at by a consultant who has confirmed it is scar tissue and should go within 3months. Me and my husband had some foreplay the other night and it was ok (sorry tmi) had no pain during nor after, which is good. how big was your lump they say mine is 1cm does that seem big or small.
Hope your enjoying being a mum. Did you have a boy or girl.

I think mine was a bit bigger than a pea, it was right near the entrance, prob on the inside slightly and to the left, like where the episiotomy scar was. They expected mine to go, but when i was at a follow up over a year after having my daughter the consultant insisted on an examination and stated that there was no way that it would "disappear" this far after the birth. So be aware that it may need to be removed.
I adore being a mum, we had 2 miscariages before we had our beautiful little girl so that makes her even more special! We are currently trying for baby no 2 so im glad the op went well!

tea tree baths really helped the healing process of my 3rd degree tear! Hope you feel better soon x

Just be a little careful not to soak too long too soon as this can dispolve the stitches too early according to my obs consultant. x

i had a 4th degree tear with my daughter whos now nearly 7 months. It took a coupe of weeks for me to feel ok again!! It was very uncomfortable sitting down for about 2 1/2 weeks, but then seemed to suddenly feel better!!! I thankfull
y havent had any problems since, and sex hasnt been an issue! it was painful at first (about 5 weeks after), but that was prob cos i was soooooo nervous and couldnt relax also needed to use lube for the 1st few times! but all is fine now!! xx